The Dance of Light

brightening up a bit

One of the aspects of working in the medium of glass that continues to engage and fascinate me is the interplay between light and glass.  My skill in serving as a dance-partner with light is always evolving.

Glass art is always seen in relationship with the light that enlivens it.  The warm light of sunset is totally different from that of a gloomy morning or of a sunny winter day.  Artificial light differs from natural light, and incandescent is different from LED. Front lighting and backlighting are often both present.  The goal is to find a balance that works in these changing light conditions.

Colour, translucence and opacity are all affected by light.  I took some photographs of a recent commission that I was able to observe over a few of days under different conditions, before delivering it to it’s new home.  Look closely to see what differences you notice.

a dull day

finally sunshine!

A blast of evening sun

The panel (18”w x 25”h) will be installed to provide both privacy and a visual feature in the room.  I imagine the client may spend more time there from now on, as each viewing offers a unique experience!

Apsley Autumn Studio Tour

In about a week I will be packing up my work and hitting the road for Apsley Ontario to exhibit at the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour.  This is an outstanding studio tour with many talented artists and artisans eager to open their studios and share their work with the public.   I am a regular guest artist at my friend Molly Moldovan’s painting studio, and I’m looking forward both to seeing her recent work and to meeting the many people who will be coming through the door on their own art adventure.

Pictured is my studio set up for my own recent studio tour, and a few pieces in the kiln awaiting their final firing before heading to Apsley. 

 My “Northern Lights” themed pieces are very popular. When completed,the ones below be free-standing art pieces in iron stands, like the pieces on the right in the image above.

in the kiln for "fire polish" firing

Finally, is a piece that I just composed but is not yet fired.  It will look completely different after it’s fired, ground, polished and mounted.  Meet me at studio “M”, September 16 & 17 and see how it turns out!

Autumn Tours

The road to my studio - Bella Lake in the distance

Now that September is here, I’m ready to focus on my autumn studio tours.  Timed to coincide with autumn colours, these tours are a great time to enjoy an “up north” get away and experience the creativity of artists who call this beautiful part of the province their home.

Molly's Studio

First up is the Apsley Autumn Studio Tour, September 20 & 21, where I am a guest artist at my good friend Molly Moldovan’s studio.  Her abstract work and my glass show so beautifully together, and we always look forward to spending the weekend together, sharing our art with new and returning visitors.  The Apsley Tour has some intriguing new studios this year, and it’s well worth the trip to explore this rugged part of Ontario known as North Kawartha.  I spent my childhood summers nearby, so doing this tour is always a bit of a trip “home” for me.  

 

After Apsley, I’m back to my own studio for 2 weekends of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour, now in its 36th year.  Come up the Limberlost Road and see 3 great studios; myself, painter Catherine O’Mara and woodturner Brian Markham.  All my work will be on display!  September 28 & 28, and October 4 & 5.

Click the links for each tour (above) for all the details, maps etc.